I can’t believe that I am sitting up here in the computer lab for the last time.
The next Port is Fort Lauderdale, Florida. During the last few days we have been bombarded with information telling us how to handle disembarkation. We have been given outsized garbage bags for our accumulated unwanted ‘stuff’, we have been delivered colour-coded tags for our luggage, we are busy separating what can be packed to be picked up tomorrow and delivered to the dock, from what we will need for the next 48 hours and will have to carry off the ship ourselves. On the lighter side we enjoyed ‘The Ambassadors Ball’ last night – everyone got dressed up – you should have seen the students – guys wearing suits, and the girls in fabulous dresses, some long and some VERY SHORT!! It was fun just watching them all, and we had a delicious dinner as well.
So how am I feeling? Mixed. Of course I have mixed feelings. I am really looking forward to coming home. I am really looking forward to seeing the many of you that I can see. I am looking forward to phoning the rest of you and talking, talking, talking. I am looking forward to living in a larger space than a small room which is shared. I am looking forward to driving the car! Driving to Fortinos, walking up and down the aisles choosing what I want to eat, will be fun. Even having to do my own cooking will be fun! I can’t wait to wash my clothes myself! And I can’t wait to be able to open the doors, back or front, and go outside and just walk. Walk as far as I want, as fast as I want – freedom.
But of course there is so much I will miss. It will be sad to say goodbye to many, many people. It will also be hard to say goodbye to the community – to community living. There is always someone interesting to talk to at meal times. I have rediscovered that I thrive in the company of people!!
And I will miss the sea. I love being at sea. I love being able to walk out on deck, lean against the rail and just watch the sea going by. So I am going to send you just a couple more photos. I took these over the side of the ship, capturing the curve of the waves made by the bow. Of course you can’t see the movement in the photos, but it reminds me of how I felt as I watched!
Finally here are a couple of sunsets. One with other folk also watching, and one just the sea and the sky.
Composing this Blog has been a very important part of this voyage. I have felt that I have been able to share it with you all, my nearest and dearest.
THANK YOU ALL – GOODBYE TILL I SEE YOU!
Liz, Mum, Granny
